There are three things that instantly remind me of Uncle Brian:

The first is that when ever I hear the words "Hall and Oates" I immediately think of him.  He loved music but especially talked about his love of Hall and Oates. When I stayed over in the summer holidays, Jason and Josie would go to bed earlier than me (perks of being slightly older!) and Uncle Brian would share his record collection with me; he would especially talk about his love of Hall and Oates. (He tried his best to convert me from the pop/punk music of the day.)  I can say that since I've matured somewhat, I can finally appreciate the mastery of their music. 

The second instant reminder is related to the above.  It is: Digestive biscuits and cheese.  Aunty Margaret would go to the kitchen and bring out a cup of tea with crackers and cheese for us as an evening snack. Uncle Brian enthusiastically suggested that I try Digestives with strong cheese, he told me it was the best combination.  I have to say, I agreed with him then and still eat them regularly now.  With a thought for Brian every time.x

The third thing is that Uncle Brian was the first person to mention the ozone layer to me.  It was back in the early 80's and I was staying at Aunty Margaret and Uncle Brian's house.  I sprayed my deodorant in the bedroom and he readily began to warn me that doing so was destroying the ozone layer.  This was all news to me!  I hadn't even heard of the ozone layer. My very naive and dare I say it, huffy, teenaged reply was, "Ok, well I'll make sure the window is closed."  He looked slightly bewildered at that and started to explain further but Aunty Margaret deflected the conversation and he left it alone. I carried on blindly. In later years and when my own knowledge increased I can remember being in awe of his awareness and concern of such things so early on.

These anecdotes make me smile now because it reminds me how passionate and interested he was in so many things.  He studied history and loved music. He was clearly interested in science and global issues. He was incredibly knowledgeable and would talk enthusiastically about his chosen topic. 

Uncle Brian was interesting but he was always interested as well and as a young person, this interest in others is something that made him stand out as an adult for me. I also remember being pretty impressed as a youngster that Uncle Brian was in to wind surfing! Perhaps he was trying to emulate the Beach Boys. (I really should have asked him!)

As an adult I rarely spent time with Uncle Brian but my childhood memories of him are special and that is how he will remain for me.  Rest in peace Uncle Brian. x